Harris vs. Trump: The Showdown on 10 Key Policy Issues

WASHINGTON — As the final weekend before Tuesday’s presidential election unfolds, voters seeking clarity on candidates’ positions can explore a series presented by the States Newsroom Washington Bureau. This initiative features ten articles illuminating the policy stances of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump across various significant areas.

The articles delve into critical topics. In the realm of reproductive rights, for instance, the fallout from the conservative-dominated U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to revoke the constitutional right to abortion has transformed the issue into a cornerstone of the Democratic campaign.

On the matter of U.S. Supreme Court reform, the institution faces scrutiny over ethics scandals and discussion surrounding potential expansion of its justices, driven largely by Democratic voices.

Immigration emerges as a prime focus for Trump, who consistently pledges mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. In contrast, Harris aims to reinstate a bipartisan congressional approach to reforming immigration policy.

Social Security and Medicare are increasingly vital issues as the future President and Congress will bear the responsibility of addressing the sustainability of these trust funds over the next decade.

Despite the pressing nature of climate change — exemplified by the recovery efforts in states like North Carolina and Tennessee from Hurricane Helene — the topic has received scant attention in the 2024 election discourse.

Both presidential candidates also intend to confront the national housing crisis, highlighting a federal commitment to the typically local issue.

As for education, while frequently overlooked during campaigns, Harris and Trump present contrasting views on policies affecting K-12 and higher education.

In the realm of taxes, a pivotal decision awaits the next administration regarding the future of the 2017 tax legislation enacted under Trump, which is set to expire soon.

Gun violence is universally acknowledged as a significant concern, yet Harris and Trump diverge sharply on solutions to tackle the issue.

Looking outward, the next President will face pressing foreign policy crises, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, tensions with Russia over Ukraine, and challenges in U.S.-China trade relations.